Dale Earnhardt Jr. Shares Heartbroken Tribute To Kyle Busch
on May 21, 2026
NASCAR Driver Kyle Busch Dead At 41
Two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch has died at the age of 41. NASCAR confirmed the news in a statement on Thursday (May 21). The Busch family, Richard Childress Racing and NASCAR also put out a joint statement.
Busch was scheduled to compete in the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 24. However, his family announced on May 21 that the two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion was hospitalized with what they described as a “severe illness” and will no longer participate in any racing activities.
The statement did not provide any additional details about Kyle Busch’s illness. However, PEOPLE reports the NASCAR star appeared to be dealing with health issues earlier this month.
Kyle is survived by his wife, Samantha, and their two children Brexton (11) and Lennix (4).
We are saddened and heartbroken to share the news of the passing of Kyle Busch, a two-time Cup champion and one of our sport's greatest and fiercest drivers. He was 41 years old.
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) May 21, 2026
We extend our deepest condolences to the Busch family, Richard Childress Racing and the entire… pic.twitter.com/FARIF6OKrw
Remembering Kyle Busch
Kyle Busch was one of the most successful drivers in NASCAR history. Nicknamed “Rowdy,” Busch won two NASCAR Cup Series championships (in 2015 and 2019) and became known for his aggressive driving style and record-setting success across NASCAR’s top divisions.
Born in Las Vegas, Busch began racing as a teenager and quickly rose through the ranks. He debuted in NASCAR’s top series in 2004 with Hendrick Motorsports before becoming the face of Joe Gibbs Racing and Toyota’s NASCAR program for 15 seasons. In 2023, he joined Richard Childress Racing.
Busch held numerous NASCAR records, including the most combined wins across NASCAR’s three national touring series. He earned 63 Cup Series victories, more than 100 Xfinity Series wins, and nearly 70 Truck Series wins during his career.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Reflects On Busch’s Passing
Just hours after his passing, NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Jr. shared an emotional tribute in honor of the late driver.
“Kyle and I had a really challenging existence for many years,” Earnhardt began. “But we luckily took the time to figure out our differences and that was something he instigated with a conversation in his bus around how we each managed our racing teams.”
Earnhardt explained more details regarding their relationship, saying he hoped for them to become better friends and improve their tumultuous relationship.
“I was super eager for us to get on better terms. But it was he who made the effort for that to be possible. We did some media together also to laugh through some of the things we put each other through many years ago,” he added.
He continued, saying the two were even supposed to get together shortly.
“Most recently we had even been discussing him running my Late Model at Wilkesboro this summer. He seemed extremely happy and we had planned to meet up next Thursday to get his seat to the shop,” Earnhardt said.
Earnhardt finished by saying while this loss was beyond devastating, he was “thankful that we had found a way to become friends.”
Kyle and I had a really challenging existence for many years. But we luckily took the time to figure out our differences and that was something he instigated with a conversation in his bus around how we each managed our racing teams. I was super eager for us to get on better…
— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) May 21, 2026
Looking back you can see one of the contentious moments they once had that we are glad they were able to put behind them.
One of the best memories in NASCAR was the time Kyle Busch wrecked Dale Jr and he needed security to leave the track 😭🤣
— Magnolia (@MagnoliaXRio) May 22, 2026
This was a MORTAL SIN in 2008 😅 It's always felt so poetic to me that Kyle ended up in the #8 and I'm very happy my 2 faves mended fences over the years ❤️ https://t.co/i5ZQGKlnK1 pic.twitter.com/thgWUGrFsQ
